Santa Monica PIer: Special Olympics family event theme is ‘Shanghai on the Pier’

Special Olympics Southern California is scheduled to host its annual Pier del Sol family entertainment event with the theme “Shanghai on the Pier” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, October 14th, at the Santa Monica Pier.

The event, which culminates the journey of six local Special Olympics athletes to Shanghai, raises funds to benefit Special Olympics athletes in Southern California. It is the brainchild of California’s First Lady and event honorary chair, Maria Shriver, and Special Olympics board member Anita Green.

This year’s theme provides a link to the first-ever World Games being held in Asia, from October 2nd to 11th, in Shanghai.

The event also provides a platform to celebrate the return of local athletes from Shanghai and recognize this year’s honoree, Dominic Ng, chairman, president and chief executive officer of East West Bank.

“I’m thrilled at this opportunity for Special Olympics athletes from all over Southern California to visit Shanghai and to participate in the World Games,” said Ng. “It’s a privilege to be part of this history-making event and to welcome home the athletes at Shanghai on the Pier in Santa Monica.”

With a tradition of attracting participation from L.A.’s premiere restaurants and top chefs, Pier del Sol’s Shanghai on the Pier will feature fare from more than 35 L.A. restaurants, including Spago, Providence, Belvedere, Melisse, Pinks, Valentino, Ortolan and The Peninsula Hotel, among others, event organizers said.

Families will have access to unlimited rides and can participate in game booth activities and visit a petting zoo.

“We’re pleased to bring this time-honored and popular event to Southern California families once again,” said Bill Shumard, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Southern California. Since its inaugural year, Pier del Sol has raised more than $3.5 million to benefit Special Olympics athletes in Southern California.

Tickets are available at the gate or from Ticketmaster at (213) 480-3232 or www.ticket master.com/. Individual VIP tickets, which include unlimited rides, Pacific Park games and VIP brunch, are $150 each or five for $500. General admission tickets are $45 and include rides, eight game tickets and a meal voucher for Pacific Park’s Food Plaza.